We are in the dead of Winter, and with Central Oregon weather (less than 15% humidity), we might have several more weeks to go before we start to see the light at the end of the season. Between indoor central heat, the cold winter air, and ever-changing weather conditions, your skin is struggling to keep up moisture levels. More than likely, you’ve experienced some of the hallmarks of winter skin: dry, flaky, redness and irritation. These darker months (and several holidays packed closely together) also means that we are all imbibing a little more than usual – which also causes dehydration.

So what’s a man to do? Take a look at our top Men’s Winter Skin Care Mistakes and check in with your routines. Are you guilty of one of these skin care blunders?

Mistake #1: Skipping the moisturizer

Yes, you should be using some kind of facial moisturizer. But how to choose? It’s common to freeze in the lotion aisle, or even just grab whatever happens to be on the bathroom counter. In the winter, your skin needs something thicker and more emollient. While it may feel a bit heavy at first, by the time you leave the house for work or go shovel that driveway, you’ll be thankful for that extra shot of moisture. You’ll notice a younger-looking face as well, with fewer wrinkles and lines and your face will be a whole more comfortable throughout the day.

Recommendations: Linden Calendula Treatment + Facial Recovery Oil

Advanced move: Use a facial-grade oil for deeper hydration. 1-2 drops in your hands, apply over cheeks, forehead and chin, then add moisturizer.

Mistake #2: Over-drying your skin

A lot of the typical facial cleansers (like soaps, foams) contain foaming agents called SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate. SLS is actually a cheap foaming agent that is added to these cleansers to give you a “feeling” of clean. But the only feeling you are left with is stripped skin devoid of moisture, that will end up feeling tight and itchy. Many brands found in the grocery store also have microbeads in them, additional nano-plastics that wind up in our water system.

Recommendations: Buy soaps made with olive and avocado oils, such as SLAB soap bars (at Anjou). Nourishing facial cleansers such as Eminence Wildflower Cleansing Balm is a great go-to in the shower or at the sink.

It will feel different at first, you won’t quite get that same “clean” feeling, but these types of gentle cleansers will actually give moisture back to your skin instead of ripping it away.

Pro Tip: Immediately after a hot shower, put on moisturizer! Hot water can strip away natural oils.

Mistake #3: Skipping Exfoliation

You might be wondering if you should skip the exfoliation to save your skin the extra stress. In actuality, you need to keep up this practice because your skin is drying out faster in the winter months, so more dead cells are sitting on the skin’s surface which can lead to breakouts and blackheads. There are two kinds of exfoliators: those that use physical exfoliators (sugars, beads, seeds, or kernals) and natural chemical exfoliators (acids and peels).

If you have sensitive skin, try using a chemical exfoliator – they tend to work in a gentler way. If you prefer the feeling of physical exfoliants, avoid anything that has large pieces or uses broken up nut shells. These can cause micro tears in the skin and actually create rougher skin over time.

Alternatively, you can use a facial dry brush as an exfoliator, and help to detox and drain lymphatic tissues in your face! Use gentle strokes and pick up a facial brush specifically designed for dry brushing.

Exfoliation also helps your skin’s ability to absorb products likes serums and moisturizers, so now is the perfect time to apply those as well.

Recommendation: Strawberry-Rhubarb Dermafoliant is a gentle exfoliator with micro-scrubbers that leave your skin fresh and radiant-looking.

Mistake #4: Forgetting lips and hands

We’ve been giving the face all the attention, but your hands in just as much danger of winter wear and tear (and hands tend to show our age sooner, so they are worth taking care of). Keep those mitts hydrated and apply rich hand lotion or cream. Opt for one at night that will absorb while you sleep (avoiding that greasy palm feel) or add a dab of lotion to the back of one hand then use it to apply to the other hand. Typically the most needed times for hand lotion are after exposure to wind, cold or water, but anytime you are feeling dry and flaky is a good time to slather on the cream.

Our lips are constantly under stress – moisture from eating, chapped from dryness or even exposed to sun and getting burnt. When lips get dry, they are in danger of cracking and splitting, ouch! Apply a lip balm with SPF and or CBD to prevent drying out.

Recommendation: Rosehip and Lemongrass Repair Balm

Have you been making some of these mistakes and now need a skin repair session? Anjou Spa offers men’s skincare on our Men’s Menu, as well as massage and nail treatments.  Come in, put your feet up, and let us pamper your skin! You’ll come away with tips and tools for your best daily skin care routine to keep you feeling comfortable and youthful all winter long.

Call us at (541) 241-8454 to schedule your next treatment or book online. Consider home goods, organic self-care products, and other gems when shopping our Welcome Boutique at our new location of 1835 NW Pence Lane, Suite 120, off NW Shevlin Park Road. Read Anjou Spa Reviews here, and learn more about our Anjou Bend Spa Membership too.